Drinking is a cornerstone of many people’s social circles. But before you pour a glass, consider how alcohol impacts your teeth.

Dehydration

Drinks high in alcohol content tend to dry out your mouth. The saliva that helps remove bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth is no longer there to do its job. If you’ll be drinking alcohol, be sure to also drink plenty of water to keep your mouth (and the rest of your body) hydrated.

Sugar, Sugar Everywhere

Sugar can lead to tooth decay. So it’s no surprise that alcoholic drinks high in sugar can damage your teeth—after all, sugar is like rocket fuel for bacteria in your mouth. The more you give the bacteria, the more quickly it can multiple and thrive. Try opting for a low-sugar drink, such as a dry brut champagne or check out this list of wines for a low-sugar diet.

Stains

Red wine may taste good, but it’s not so good on your teeth. You can quickly see the staining effects by the trademark “red wine smile” on someone whose teeth have turned red from a glass of wine. Is beer better? Only marginally. Like wine, beer is acidic, which makes your teeth more likely to be stained by the malts and barley found in darker beers.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you have a smile darkened by alcohol? We offer teeth whitening, as well as a host of other services to bring out your best smile.

Here at Fernandez Family Dentistry, we put our patients first. That’s why we accept most insurance plans (except for dental HMO plans). If you have questions about your particular plan, feel free to give our office a call at 757-497-4825. Our office is conveniently located near the Mount Trashmore Office Park. For a map and detailed directions, click here.